During an official visit to Cuba, Chile’s president Michelle Bachelet called for an end to the US-imposed trade embargo on the island.

While speaking at a business seminar in Havana on Thursday, the Chilean premier said that her country has consistently opposed the blockade.

“Chile has always opposed the continuation of discriminatory trade practices and continues to maintain this position,” said Bachelet. “I am referring to something very concrete, the US blockade against Cuba, which seriously affects the living conditions of the Cuban people, particularly in this current crisis.”

Bachelet’s visit marks the first time in 37 years that a Chilean head of state has travelled to Cuba. Invited by Cuban president, Raúl Castro, the aim of the trip is to renew ties between the two countries and ensure future cooperation.

The Chilean leader’s condemnation of the embargo follows the same position taken by the presidents of Argentina, Ecuador and Panama, who have also visited Cuba within the past two months.

These statements come after the Latin America and Caribbean Summit announced its opposition to the trade embargo last December in Costa do Sauipe, Brazil. With the inauguration of Barack Obama, Latin American leaders hope to see a change in US policy toward Cuba.

The Fiesta Nacional del Sol makes this THE time to be in San Juan, with five days of live music, shows, parades, and fairs - as well as the all important choosing of the Reina del Sol. We revisit Kristie Robinson's 2007 article on a trip to the lesser-known province.